Feng Shui

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art of harmonising space – rooted in the belief that humans are deeply connected to their surroundings. Developed over two thousand years ago, it blends philosophical reflections on nature with practical approaches to arranging homes and public spaces. As an integral part of Chinese culture, the term “feng shui” – which translates literally as “wind-water” – symbolises the subtle interplay between elements and their mutual influence.

Today, feng shui is used not only in daily life but also in fields such as architecture, business, and urban planning. Its principles help shape environments that promote balance and well-being. This guide explores the foundations of feng shui – through traditional practices, modern applications, and professional design strategies.

The Art and Principles of Feng Shui

Feng shui is a way of interacting with space through energy, symbolic attributes, and natural laws. It embodies a Chinese-inspired philosophy that seeks harmony between human beings and their environment. Below are the key concepts and ideas that form the foundation of this ancient art.

Understanding Qi Energy in Feng Shui

In Chinese tradition, Qi (气), pronounced “Chi”, is seen as the life force or breath that flows through all things – people, nature, and objects. This energy is in constant motion, and the quality of a space depends on the nature of its flow – too fast creates a sense of restlessness, while stagnation leads to disharmony and blockages.

The role of a feng shui master, exemplified by five of the most renowned masters in China – Professor Pei Weng, Wang Tingzhi, Liu Dajun, Zhong Yiming, and Li Yunyou – is to guide Qi so that it flows smoothly and evenly, supporting balance and vitality. Traditionally, three types of energy are distinguished: heaven qi (tian qi, 天气), earth qi (di qi, 地气), and human qi (ren qi, 人气). These are interconnected – heavenly Qi sets the cosmic rhythm, earthly Qi is shaped by the landscape and architecture, and human Qi is reflected in people's actions and emotions. This perspective allows us to view any environment as a living system, where harmony is achieved through conscious engagement with the movement of energy.

Balancing Yin and Yang Energy in Feng Shui

Yin and Yang are two fundamental and complementary forces that represent opposing but interconnected qualities – active and passive, light and dark, and masculine and feminine. Their interaction forms the basis of Qi energy – the absolute and infinite – which expresses itself in the blending of opposites. The iconic symbol of Yin and Yang, known as the Taijitu diagram (太极图), is a circle divided in the centre, with a black dot in the white half and a white dot in the black half.

Yin is linked to the feminine – softness, receptivity, care, and quiet darkness. Yang, by contrast, relates to the masculine – strength, action, drive, and light. Neither can prevail over the other – their balance is essential. In feng shui, this balance is achieved through a thoughtful combination of shapes, materials, colours, and object placement. Soft fabrics, flowing lines, and darker shades enhance Yin, while sharp angles, bright hues, and straight lines strengthen Yang.

Exploring the Five Elements and Wu Xing Theory

Just as Qi energy expresses itself through Yin and Yang, these forces are further divided into the five elements that make up the Wu Xing (五行) conceptual scheme. This is a model of interaction among fundamental components of the physical world, shaping everything from traditional Chinese medicine, astrology and fortune-telling ( 八字 – bāzì), to politics, science, religion, martial arts, and the arts. According to Chinese philosophy, particularly Taoism, all phenomena relate to five basic elements – Wood (木), Fire (火), Earth (土), Metal (金), and Water (水). Feng shui uses this scheme to analyse natural patterns, relationships between objects, and methods for adjusting space.

To use Wu Xing effectively, one must understand its four cycles of interaction – how the elements relate to each other in different ways:

– Generative Sheng Cycle – mother-child relationship – promotes growth and nourishment: Water feeds Wood, Wood fuels Fire, Fire creates Earth (ash), Earth generates Metal (minerals), and Metal condenses Water.

– Ko Cycle – Father-Child relationship – reflects control: Wood controls Earth, Fire controls Metal, Earth controls Water, Metal controls Wood, Water controls Fire.

– Destructive cycle – Similar to the Ko Cycle, it reveals more forceful control which destroys one of the elements: Water extinguishes Fire, Fire melts Metal, Metal cuts Wood, Wood breaks up Earth, and Earth blocks Water.

- Anti-Ko Cycle – Insulting Sequence – is the reverse of the Ko cycle. In a figurative sense, the child rebels against his father, insulting him or attempting to assert discipline. This cycle is used in traditional Chine medicine and Feng shui. The concept can also be found in discussions about relationships, governance, and interpersonal dynamics, illustrating how challenges and conflicts arise naturally.

Each element corresponds to specific traits, colours, shapes, and materials. Understanding these qualities allows for an assessment of a space’s “character” and offers guidance on how to bring it into balance.

The 5 elements correspondences chart

Wood is linked to growth and vitality. Its colours are green and soft blue, and its ideal forms are vertical lines and rectangles. In practice, plants, wooden furniture, or tall columns enhance Wood energy – supporting creativity and personal development.

Fire represents passion and dynamic energy. Its colours include red, orange, and purple, and its forms are triangles or pointed shapes. Lamps, candles, and flame-like decorations activate areas connected to reputation, drive, and ambition.

Earth embodies stability and care. Associated with yellow, ochre, and terracotta tones, its shapes are squares and flat surfaces. Ceramic vases, stone sculptures, and heavy furniture strengthen energy in areas tied to health, family, and financial security.

Metal signifies clarity and structure. Its palette includes white, silver, and gold, while its forms are rounded – circles, domes, and ovals. Metal objects, coins, or sculptures bring order and precision, supporting focus and business matters.

Water symbolises depth, intuition, and fluidity. Its colours are black and dark blue, and its shapes include waves and flowing curves. Mirrors, aquariums, or water imagery help circulate energy – encouraging introspection and supporting spiritual and professional growth.

Explaining the Feng Shui Bagua Map

A full understanding of feng shui philosophy is incomplete without the spatial system known as the Bagua map. This framework is based on eight trigrams – xuà (卦) – graphic symbols that lie at the heart of Taoist cosmology and reflect the foundational principles of Chinese metaphysics.

In classical feng shui, the map includes eight directional sectors – aligned with the cardinal points – and a central area that represents the Taijitu diagram. Together, they form an octagon, which is then placed over the layout of a home, plot of land, or interior floor plan. Each sector is represented by a trigram made up of three lines – solid (Yang) or broken (Yin) – arranged in a specific pattern. These xuà (卦) function not only as spatial guides but also as symbols linked to particular natural elements:

Applying the Bagua map involves identifying imbalances within specific sectors and introducing corrective elements. For instance, if the fire area (Li – south) is dim or empty, it can be strengthened with lighting and vibrant red or orange decor. The water sector (Kan – north) might be activated using a fountain, aquarium, or images of flowing water.

In this way, the Bagua map becomes a practical tool – allowing for the visual alignment of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, and spatial harmony – and making it possible to apply these principles in the design of daily living environments.

Identifying Meanings of Feng Shui Colours

In Feng Shui, colours are incorporated in subtle touches and play a vital role in shaping the mood and energy of a space. Shades of red and orange are traditionally linked to vitality, movement, and success – making them ideal for areas where confidence and activity are encouraged. Warm tones such as yellow and terracotta foster a sense of stability and comfort, supporting harmony within the home. Light and neutral hues – including white and grey – bring clarity and freshness, creating an atmosphere of openness and order. Deep blue and black evoke water and renewal – promoting calm and helping to restore emotional balance. Green tones, associated with growth and renewal, gently connect the interior to nature and signal fresh beginnings. Through the intentional use of colour, you can bring greater balance to your living environment – a core principle in the practice of Feng Shui.

Integration of Feng Shui in Homes and Offices – Creating Balanced Spaces

The use of feng shui in homes and workplaces goes beyond interior aesthetics – it focuses on shaping an environment where Qi energy can flow freely, supporting harmony, well-being, and emotional balance. In the Feng Shui tradition, the entrance holds particular importance, as it serves as the main channel through which energy enters the space. A clean, open doorway symbolises the unimpeded flow of energy and sets the tone for the entire home.

Lighting and ventilation are equally vital. Natural light energises a room, while fresh air circulation helps prevent stagnation. A key concept is the command position – placing the bed, sofa, or desk so that the entrance is visible but not directly aligned with it. This layout fosters a sense of safety and calm.

Live plants and water features also enhance energy flow. Greenery has a positive influence when it is healthy and well-maintained, while a small indoor fountain can help reduce stress and tension. In workspaces, attention to colour, shape, and material matters as well – soft blues, greens, pastels, and neutral tones are especially well-suited to office settings, as they encourage focus and a sense of ease. With thoughtful planning, feng shui becomes a practical guide for designing spaces that support both productivity and peace.

Implication of Feng Shui in Chinese Architecture and Urban Planning

In ancient Chinese architecture, feng shui principles govern the orientation, symmetry, and layout of buildings. A notable example is the Forbidden City in Beijing – its main complex faces south, aligning with traditional beliefs about the auspicious flow of Yang energy. Water features, such as the Golden Water River running through the palace grounds, help regulate energy circulation and maintain balance.

These principles extend beyond palaces to entire cities. In Xi’an, the Ming-era City Wall forms a continuous enclosure – symbolically containing energy and providing a stable framework for life and activity. At the very centre stands the Bell Tower, located at the junction of four main roads. Its strategic placement reflects the feng shui emphasis on the central axis as a focal point for receiving and redistributing energy in the urban fabric.

In modern times, Shanghai also reflects the influence of feng shui. The Jin Mao Tower in the Pudong district was designed with traditional numerical symbolism – its 88 floors and tiered, pagoda-like form represent prosperity and balanced growth . Nearby, the Oriental Pearl Tower’s spherical forms and strong vertical axis dominate the skyline while harmonising with the surrounding space. In this way, feng shui continues to shape both historical and contemporary Chinese architecture – bridging cultural heritage with modern urban planning and affirming its enduring role in Chinese culture.

Configuration of Gardens and Outdoor Spaces with a Feng Shui Spirit

Feng shui garden design focuses on the interaction between natural elements and architectural forms. Special attention is given to the placement of plants, water features, stones, and decorative objects. Dynamic components – such as wind chimes, floating structures, and rotating ornaments – as well as flowing water, play a key role. Streams, fountains, and ponds with moving water energise the space and sustain positive flow, while stagnant pools may create a feeling of heaviness.

The colour palette of a feng shui-inspired garden is typically anchored in green tones, complemented by muted terracotta and olive shades. To achieve full balance, these subdued hues should be punctuated with vibrant accents – plants bearing red, yellow, white, or purple blossoms bring visual contrast and help define spatial zone s. Aromatic herbs like lavender, sage, thyme, or even dill enrich the garden with scent and introduce varied textures.

Dividing areas and arranging elements becomes more intuitive when using the Bagua map . The garden’s centre is associated with health and harmony – making it an ideal location for an open clearing or meditation space. The south represents fame and recognition, where a decorative piece such as a fountain or sculpture symbolising success can be placed. The west governs creativity and joy – making it well-suited to metallic decorations. The east is linked to family and vitality, so fruit trees or tall shrubs are appropriate here. The north relates to career and life opportunities – a small pond fits perfectly in this zone.

Rooted in Chinese culture, this approach to garden design offers not only beauty but also a deeper sense of purpose – transforming outdoor spaces into environments that support well-being and balance.

Applications of Feng Shui in Rituals and Practices

Many feng shui rituals are designed to attract prosperity and provide protection. One such practice involves hanging a Coin Sword – a decorative talisman crafted from antique coins arranged in the shape of a sword. Traditionally placed above the bed’s headboard or over the front door, it is believed to ward off negative forces and shield the home. Another widely used amulet is the string of Five-Emperor Coins – refering to the most powerful emperors in ancient China, namely Shunzhi (順治), Kangxi (康熙), Yongzheng (雍正), Qianlong (乾隆) and Jiaqing (嘉庆) – round coins minted during the Qing dynasty. For the charm to be effective, it should be blessed by a feng shui master before being placed in the home. These coins are commonly hung in living rooms, near altars or safes, and even in vehicles. A third symbol is the Jin Chan, or Money Frog – a mythical creature said to appear at the entrance of homes where financial fortune is about to arrive. The three-legged frog holds a coin in its mouth, signifying a continuous flow of wealth.

Other popular symbols used to attract good fortune and protection include figurines or images of dragons, turtles, and fish – particularly the Asian Arowana – as well as the Feng Shui Mystic Knot made of red thread , believed to bless its owner with longevity and lasting happiness.

Feng shui rituals aim to create harmony between people and their surroundings. Lighting incense and candles signifies purification and renewal, while fresh flowers represent vitality and abundance. Offerings of fruit are used to express gratitude and to invite positive energy into the space.

Seasonal rituals also hold special meaning. In spring, it is customary to refresh one’s environment – cleaning, decluttering, and letting in fresh air to welcome a new cycle of growth. In autumn, attention turns to the harvest and preparations for winter – symbolising resourcefulness and the preservation of balance. These acts are not rigid ceremonies but rather conscious practices that align daily life with the rhythms of nature – an essential concept in Chinese culture.

Landmarks and Cultural Sites Influenced by Feng Shui in China

Feng shui is woven into daily life across China. To experience the essence of this ancient tradition, visitors can explore temples, gardens, historic neighbourhoods, and architectural sites shaped by its principles.

In Beijing, the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan, 天坛) is a standout example. This grand ceremonial complex is carefully arranged according to energy flow. In feng shui tradition, the circular and square forms reflect the harmony between Heaven and Earth, while the alignment of its halls and pavilions symbolises the connection between the cosmos and human existence.

Similar principles guide the design of the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan, 颐和园), where the built environment and natural landscape merge to express serenity and equilibrium. Kunming Lake – representing the nourishing qualities of water – dominates the layout, while Longevity Hill to the north serves as both a protective feature and a visual anchor, reinforcing a sense of completeness and balance.

Traditional courtyard homes, or siheyuan (四合院), found throughout Beijing also follow feng shui ideals. These dwellings are arranged around a central courtyard, with the main residence placed on the northern side facing south – a configuration that maximises light and warmth. Auxiliary buildings to the east and west enhance symmetry, while enclosing walls reduce wind and noise. This layout reflects both social values and aesthetic sensibilities, creating an enclosed world of comfort, privacy, and order.

Other landmarks across China reveal the same spatial awareness. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an, the colossal Buddha in Leshan, and the Rock Building residential complex in Shanghai are all shaped by feng shui considerations. Whether ancient or modern, these structures foster energy flow, environmental harmony, and a sense of stability.

Travellers can experience these ideas firsthand by joining curated tours across China – from strolling through classical gardens and temple complexes to observing how feng shui influences even the smallest architectural details. Private itineraries allow for a more reflective journey, offering time to absorb the symbolism and intention behind each space.

Studying and applying feng shui principles provides deeper insight into Chinese culture, revealing how spatial design influences everyday life. Exploring temples, courtyards, and urban landscapes shows how careful planning and symbolic alignment foster balance, comfort, and well-being – transforming not just spaces but the way we live within them.